Local News

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan has ordered mediation in the ash spill workers case.

“After careful consideration of the parties’ briefs and oral arguments, the Court has concluded that this litigation is one that could benefit from mediation and that it is appropriate to order mediation at this time,” Varlan said in an order filed on Jan. 18.

The litigation stems from the fly ash disaster at TVA’s Kingston Fossil Plant.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican political newcomer Bill Lee on Saturday took the oath of office as the 50th governor of Tennessee, vowing not to solely look to government as the solution to the state’s most pressing challenges.

“As honored as I am to be your next governor, no governor will solve the problems — in fact, no government will solve the greatest problems that we face,” Lee said. “Government is not the answer to our challenges.”

A man with a Powell address is facing a child rape charge in Roane County Criminal Court.

Darren David Keathley, 20, was transported from the Anderson County Jail to the Roane County Jail on Sunday.

“He was found to have an active true bill for rape of child taken out by Detective (Art) Wolff of the Roane County Sheriff’s Office in front of the grand jury and issued by Court Clerk Lucy Guy,” the arrest report said.

Kayli McNeal is literally fighting for her life and needs the help of the community.
The 15-year old Rockwood native suffers from cystic fibrosis, an incurable disease that damages the lungs and digestive system. In order to survive, Kayli needs a double-lung transplant.

By Richard Evansrevans@roanecounty.com
The Rockwood Electric Utility Board unanimously voted to approve funding for a study concerning the potential of providing broadband internet through their existing fiber outlay.

While the board ultimately approved the measure, it was not without a great deal of discussion, emotion and a little confusion from the capacity crowd gathered in the REU Training Room.

The Roane County Board of Education has decided to resubmit it’s building and curriculum improvement plan regardless of a lack of support for funding from the Roane County Commission.
In recent county commission meetings some commissioners have expressed their unwillingness to raise taxes to support a plan to consolidate Roane County High School, Harriman High School and Rockwood High School.